Seattle Parks and Recreation is undertaking a project to revegetate damaged areas in the Schmitz Preserve stream corridor. Activities will include planting native plants, erosion control and fencing off redundant foot trails that crisscross Schmitz Creek. The project will help conserve one of Seattle’s rare old growth forests while supporting the overall environmental stewardship goals of the urban forest system. Schmitz Preserve Park is located in West Seattle at 5551 SW Admiral Way.

Friends of Schmitz Preserve, a group of dedicated community members, are key partners in this preservation and restoration project in the park. These stewards host volunteer events every 1st Sunday of the month, from 1 – 4 p.m. The community is encouraged to participate. For more information please visit www.schmitzpreserve.org or meet at Schmitz Park Elementary at 1 p.m. this Sunday, October 5, 2013. These monthly work parties are essential for the health and longevity of this important public asset.

Seattle is at risk of losing 70% of Seattle’s forested parks in just 20 years. Together, Seattle Parks and volunteers have been working to reverse that trend. Seattle’s forested parkland covers nearly six percent of the Seattle’s metropolitan area and comprises 20% of the Seattle’s overall urban forest canopy. The forest plays an important role in protecting air and water quality. The Green Seattle Partnership is a one of the largest public-private forest urban restoration programs in the United States.